Multidisciplinary exploratory survey: Initial insights into biologic drug handling and regulatory perspectives among healthcare professionals

TY - JOUR

T1 - Multidisciplinary exploratory survey

T2 - Initial insights into biologic drug handling and regulatory perspectives among healthcare professionals

AU - Sorret, Léa

AU - Fuentes, Nathalie

AU - Nonis, Lara

AU - Damuzzo, Vera

AU - Vozza, Giuliana

AU - Paulsson, Mattias

AU - De Paoli, Giorgia

AU - Kwok, Stanley C.

N1 - Copyright: © 2026 The Author(s).

PY - 2026/5

Y1 - 2026/5

N2 - Biologic drugs require specialized handling to maintain efficacy and safety, yet there is limited data on how healthcare professionals access information and comply with drug handling regulations. A 16-question survey was used to assess professional perspectives on procedures and regulations around biologic drugs handling. The survey yielded 36 valid responses. Participants included pharmacists, nurses, doctors, drug developers, academics and educators, primarily practicing in European countries. Information source and regulatory familiarity varied by professional role: pharmacists prioritized drug registries, doctors and nurses relied more on peer network and institutional guidance, and academics and drug developers utilized scientific literature and data. Respondents across roles recognized EU, national laws, and facility rules as strong influencers of biologic drugs handling procedures and approximately two-thirds reported rare conflicts between national regulations and EU guidance. However, over 90% of participants expressed a need for additional guidelines around drug safety, preparation, administration, with pharmacists recognized as key stakeholder. These findings provide insights into how different healthcare professionals apply information regarding drug handling, underscoring the need for focused, role-specific education, clear instructions, and regulatory guidance. While national and EU regulatory alignment appears strong, clearer guidelines and cross-professional communication could improve patient care, minimize risks, and maintain compliance.

AB - Biologic drugs require specialized handling to maintain efficacy and safety, yet there is limited data on how healthcare professionals access information and comply with drug handling regulations. A 16-question survey was used to assess professional perspectives on procedures and regulations around biologic drugs handling. The survey yielded 36 valid responses. Participants included pharmacists, nurses, doctors, drug developers, academics and educators, primarily practicing in European countries. Information source and regulatory familiarity varied by professional role: pharmacists prioritized drug registries, doctors and nurses relied more on peer network and institutional guidance, and academics and drug developers utilized scientific literature and data. Respondents across roles recognized EU, national laws, and facility rules as strong influencers of biologic drugs handling procedures and approximately two-thirds reported rare conflicts between national regulations and EU guidance. However, over 90% of participants expressed a need for additional guidelines around drug safety, preparation, administration, with pharmacists recognized as key stakeholder. These findings provide insights into how different healthcare professionals apply information regarding drug handling, underscoring the need for focused, role-specific education, clear instructions, and regulatory guidance. While national and EU regulatory alignment appears strong, clearer guidelines and cross-professional communication could improve patient care, minimize risks, and maintain compliance.

KW - Documentation

KW - Health policy

KW - Hospital

KW - International health regulations

KW - Medication systems

KW - Practice guidelines as topic

KW - Professional competence

KW - Quality of health care

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105034981874

U2 - 10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104253

DO - 10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104253

M3 - Article

C2 - 41861958

AN - SCOPUS:105034981874

SN - 0022-3549

VL - 115

JO - Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

JF - Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

IS - 5

M1 - 104253

ER -